At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and validation of advanced antenna and RF payload systems for satellite communications.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible for global challenges.
- Benefits: Work in a diverse team with opportunities for growth and innovation in space technology.
- Other info: Flexible work locations and a supportive environment for ambitious individuals.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of space tech, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge solutions.
- Qualifications: Strong background in antenna theory, RF system design, and electromagnetic modelling.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before. The Satcom team is responsible for the design, delivery and performance of Open Cosmos’ satellite communications services, spanning the space segment, ground infrastructure and global connectivity. We now require a Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer to join the team.
What will you be doing? As a Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer, you’ll lead the modelling, specification, and validation of antenna and RF payload systems across both satellite payloads and user terminals. You’ll play a key role in translating high-level mission and service requirements into robust, high-performance hardware designs ready for deployment in demanding operational environments.
- Lead antenna and RF payload design activities across phased arrays, reflectors, and beamforming systems
- Define and validate electromagnetic simulations to optimise antenna and RF performance
- Support beam steering, coverage optimisation, and spectral compliance across satellite constellations
- Define technical specifications and interface requirements for RF modules and payload subsystems
- Govern frequency planning, signal integrity, and linearity requirements across RF chains
- Perform cascade analysis to optimise gain, noise figure, and overall link performance
- Support radiometric modelling and PFD analysis to ensure regulatory compliance
- Lead prototyping and hardware validation activities including OTA testing and engineering model development
- Define and oversee qualification activities including vibration, TVAC, and radiation testing
- Work closely with system architects, RF engineers, hardware teams, and spectrum specialists to deliver integrated solutions
What You’ll bring:
- Strong understanding of antenna theory and RF system design including phased arrays, reflectors, and beamforming techniques
- Capability in electromagnetic modelling and simulation using tools such as CST, HFSS, ADS, or similar
- Strong knowledge of antenna performance metrics including gain, axial ratio, cross-polarisation, and radiation pattern optimisation
- Understanding of RF front-end architectures including amplifiers, converters, filters, and frequency planning
- Knowledge of signal integrity and linearity considerations including P1dB, OIP3, and spectral purity
- Capability in cascade analysis for gain, noise figure, and G/T optimisation across RF systems
- Understanding of radiometric analysis and Power Flux Density (PFD) modelling for regulatory compliance
- Familiarity with prototyping and RF validation activities including OTA testing and anechoic chamber measurements
- Awareness of environmental qualification processes including vibration, thermal-vacuum (TVAC), and radiation testing
- Knowledge of satellite communication standards and regulatory frameworks including DVB-S2X, 5G NTN, and ITU constraints
- A structured and analytical approach to problem-solving with strong focus on performance, reliability, and manufacturability
This role will be based in any of our locations. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. When applying, please submit your CV in English.
Why Open Cosmos?
- Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe
- A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges
- A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team
Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer in Harwell employer: Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos is an exceptional employer, offering the chance to work at the forefront of space technology while contributing to meaningful global challenges. With a diverse and ambitious team, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a rapidly evolving industry. Join us to be part of a mission-driven company that values your expertise and encourages you to make a real impact in the world of satellite communications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the satellite communications field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects related to antenna and RF payload systems. This will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors, focusing on technical questions related to RF system design and antenna theory. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with our mission at Open Cosmos.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer role. Highlight your experience with antenna theory, RF system design, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that showcase your understanding of electromagnetic modelling, cascade analysis, and RF validation activities. This helps us see your practical experience in action.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our mission-driven team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos
✨Know Your Antenna Theory
Brush up on your understanding of antenna theory and RF system design. Be ready to discuss specific techniques like phased arrays and beamforming, as well as how you’ve applied these in past projects. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also translate them into practical applications.
✨Master the Tools
Familiarise yourself with electromagnetic modelling and simulation tools such as CST, HFSS, or ADS. During the interview, be prepared to explain how you’ve used these tools to optimise antenna performance. Sharing specific examples will demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical expertise.
✨Understand Regulatory Compliance
Make sure you have a solid grasp of satellite communication standards and regulatory frameworks like DVB-S2X and ITU constraints. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position and shows your attention to detail.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss your structured and analytical approach to problem-solving. Think of specific challenges you’ve faced in antenna and RF payload design, and how you overcame them. This will highlight your ability to deliver high-performance solutions in demanding environments.
